What is your ALS Story, why are you running for ALS United?
My story is unfortunately my Dad, Ken Weiner, passed away from ALS in 2009. He was an amazing person who had a tremendous impact on me and my life, as well as others. He was very giving of his time and cared about others, even if he did not know them well. Running for ALS United Rocky Mountain helps us continue his legacy and allows my family and community to make an impact and provide help to the ALS community, whom we have a strong connection with. 

 

My Run ALS team also has runners who lost their brother, cousin and father respectively so we also run in remembrance of them: Craig Pettijohn, David Potter, Frank Weigel Jr.

How has ALS impacted you?
ALS had a HUGE impact on my life. It took away one of my best friends. We went through a lot as an extended family when my Dad was living with ALS and after we lost him, this also had a huge impact on my dad's twin brother and his family and many close friends who are like family. I miss him tremendously on a daily basis.

In memory of my dad we named my daughter, Kensi, after him.

Why are you participating for ALS United Rocky Mountain in the Colfax Marathon?
For me the run in Denver, in May, having ALS United as a charity partner who we could raise money for to fight against ALS, it all just makes for a great week leading up to the race and during the race.

A bit of back-story:

My Dad’s birthday is May 14th. Myself, my brother and my Dad’s twin brother all live out-of-state but starting the year after he passed away we had planned on coming back around that time to remember my Dad. The timing of the run which is typically in mid-to-late May seemed like a good activity to do to remember my Dad. When we were able to get ALS United Rocky Mountain as a charity partner integrated with the run it was the perfect fit!

Over the last 14 years we have had an event where we can get friends and family together, remember my Dad, and help raise awareness and give to others battling the disease as well.

What thoughts and emotions do you have leading up to Run ALS with the Colfax Marathon?
Bittersweet. Obviously, the event is associated with running in memory of a loved one who passed away. There are lots of amazing memories and some of-course make you sad.

Our teams are comprised of friends and family and we have been able bring in some amazing people who also lost loved ones to ALS as I mentioned above. Being able to see family and friends is always great. It’s also uplifting to meet others impacted by ALS who are committed to trying to raise awareness, help people and families impacted by ALS and find a cure to defeat ALS.

What race do you participate in?
We have two relay teams run every year, since May 2010. We have also had friends run in half and full marathons for ALS United Rocky Mountain. The relay works best for us as it allows us to have several people participate as a group and the shorter distances are more suited for me 😊.

What is your favorite part of the day?
It certainly isn’t the running!

My favorite parts of the day are meeting-up at the Charity tent after running, meeting new runners also running on behalf of ALS United Rocky Mountain, and bonding with everyone is great. Since serveal of us live out of state this is the only time we get to see each other and for a great cause.

As a tradition most of the runners try to go out for an after run bite-to-eat. For a few years we hosted it at someone’s house. For several we went to Annies Café on Colfax. But just meeting-up, catching up, and reminiscing about our loved ones is definitely my favorite part of the day.

How has ALS United Rocky Mountain, formerly ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter impacted you?
ALS United Rocky Mountain was of great help to us when my Dad was finally diagnosed with ALS. Suzanne, CEO and formerly Director of Care Services, and the organization were there to help us at every step. She helped answer all our questions. She put us in touch with resources to help us from finding an eye-gaze device to helping us find some great caregivers who understood the disease and treating patients with it. After my Dad passed away they were a shoulder to cry on and a great source of help.

Also, with them as a Charity Partner in the Colfax Marathon it allows us to raise money we know is going to help people and families who are battling ALS!

Anything else you would like to share?
Just want to send positive and heartfelt thoughts of hope and encouragement to all those impacted by ALS.
Also, recruitment pitch: If others are interested in participating in the race we sometimes have a spot open on one of our teams or would love to create a 3rd team. *NOTE: We are way more concerned with raising awareness and funds vs. where we place in the relay, so run/jog/walk we are open to having you! Please get in touch with Jill at Jill@alsaco.org (who has been an amazing partner and leader of this event from ALS United!) who can put you in touch with us.